Folding façade or folding awning arrangement and actuating device for the same

ABSTRACT

A folding façade or folding awning arrangement includes at least two façade or awning elements, wherein a first façade or awning element is fixed on a building so that it can pivot about an axis, and wherein a second façade or awning element is pivotally held about a second displaceable axis and can be displaced along guides by means of a drive member, and wherein further a first collapsing edge of the first façade or awning element is pivotally connected to a second collapsing edge of the second façade and awning element to form a collapsing joint and can be moved in a manner released from the guides, collapsing transversely to the façade. The arrangement further includes at least one collapsible/fold-out and/or locking means. Safe operation is achieved in that at least one pivoting actuating element is provided in the form of a collapsing/fold-out, pulling/drawing, and/or locking means.

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing dateof International Application No. PCT/EP2008/003029, filed 25 Mar. 2008,which application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing dateof German Application No. 20 2007 005558.7 filed 16 Apr. 2007 and GermanApplication No. 10 2007 047626.6, filed 4 Oct. 2007, all of which arehereby incorporated by reference into the specification of thisapplication.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a folding façade or folding awning arrangement,and an operating mechanism for folding façade or folding awningassemblies.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Folding façade or folding awning arrangements of this type are alreadyknown in the form of hangar doors, in the area of store fronts, such asfor sidewalk cafes, or as means for protecting against light and/or heaton windows or doors. In most cases they are comprised of only twoinherently rigid façade or awning elements, which are arranged in frontof an opening of a building, such as a door or doorway, or in front of awindow, to allow said opening to be closed up or covered and opened upagain. They can be moved horizontally or vertically by folding andunfolding. In the case of vertical movement, the uppermost façade orawning element, which is attached with respect to the building so as topivot around a horizontal axis near its upper edge, is attached at itslower edge to a façade or awning element located beneath the first, soas to pivot along an axis which is also horizontal, and so as to becapable of folding out transversely to the façade. The lower edge of thelowest façade or awning element is held in vertical guides and is movedupward via tension elements during opening. This causes the attachmentjoint (folding or fold-out joint) to fold out toward the upper façade orawning element (usually outward), forming an approximately triangularroof together with the lower façade or awning element when fully opened,said roof projecting substantially horizontally and serving asprotection against weather or sun. For closing, it is usually necessaryonly to release the tension element used for opening, and to allow thelowest fastening point to drop downward, thereby lowering the façade orawning elements automatically by virtue of their own weight. With theproper configuration of the hinges or joints and the point of attachmentof the tension element on the lower section, and with a propersuspension of the upper section based upon its center of gravity, thefolding façade or folding awning arrangement will extend in a straightline when fully lowered. Because there is no direct guidance in thefolding area between the façade or awning elements, a locking mechanismfor the closed position can be provided for purposes of stabilization,for example against wind pressure, wind suction or vibrations.Currently, such mechanisms are usually provided only for relativelyheavy façade elements, for example as manual or electric lockingmechanisms.

To allow the folding façade or folding awning arrangement to bereopened, it must be transferred from the extended position of closureinto a folding position, before the tension element can effect thecontinued opening. Folding out of the extended dead-center positionbetween the adjacent elements in the folding area is usually achievedusing fold-out rollers arranged in the folding area, which hold thestressed tension element in the closed position in a non-extended, i.e.,folded out position. When the tension element is placed under tensilestress under these conditions, it moves back to its extended position,pressing horizontally against the fold-out rollers and causing a firstfolding out of the extended position of the adjacent façade or awningelement in the attachment joint. Alternatively, the folding out processcan be effected via a separate, for example electrically actuated,mechanism. Locking mechanisms known in the market, which are integratedinto the area of attachment of the tension element at the lower edge ofa folding façade arrangement, have proven inadequate in preventingvibrations and noise, and as lacking the power to support pulling induring the closing process or pushing out during the opening process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One of the aspects of the invention is to configure façade or awningarrangements of this type in such a way as to make them comfortable,especially with respect to opening, closing and keeping them closed, andto make them easy to operate. Other aspects of the invention consist inlocking the closed arrangement such that it becomes largelyvibration-free or low-vibration, and/or improving its initialoutward/inward folding, and/or promoting its inward movement to anextended position.

To attain this aspect, a folding façade or folding awning arrangementhaving the characterizing features of Claim 1 and an operating mechanismfor this arrangement having the characterizing features of Claim 10 areproposed. According to one aspect of the invention a lever-like orlength-adjustable actuating element, for example, such as a fold-out,drawing and/or locking means, is placed in contact with an actuatedcarrier in the fold locking area of the folding arrangement, near theextended position of the folding arrangement, and actuating it.

The actuating element is provided as a pivotable fold-out, drawingand/or locking means, which acts between one of the façade or awningelements and the part of the building which is closed or covered by thefaçade or awning arrangement, one end of which is fastened with respectto the building or with respect to at least one of the façade or awningelements. At its opposite, unattached end, the actuating element—in theform of a fold-out means—can be displaced along the opposite structuralcomponent, in other words a façade or awning element or the openingedge, under direct or indirect contact, pivoting into an active positionin which a folding out of the attachment joint is achieved by means of acarrier, actuated by the tension or pressure element. In this, theunattached end of a lever-like fold-out means can be moved over astationary, inclined surface, and/or the fold-out means undergoes anenlargement of its effective length, or its unattached end area isdetachably supported on the actuated carrier. In particular, theunattached end can be raised and/or lowered by the carrier. If theactuating element is or comprises a drawing and/or locking means, thisis connected to a locking or drawing stop in or near the extendedposition of the folding arrangement, and is returned by the actuatedcarrier to an unlocked position.

With the invention, both vertically and horizontally movable façade orawning elements can be folded out and/or locked, wherein in the closedposition, a vertical, inclined, or horizontal plane can be spanned bythe folding elements.

A folding façade arrangement within the context of the inventiongenerally refers to a covering or closing arrangement for covering,closing and/or opening up a building surface or opening. The buildingopening can be the entry and exit area of a parking garage, an openingto a retail shop, a restaurant, a sports arena, etc., wherein the façadeelements of the folding façade arrangement assume the job of forming agate or a door or some other façade front for opening and closing anopening in a building, regardless of whether they fit in visually withthe other building façade s in a particular manner, or whether they actas a door, a gate, a window, or the like. Likewise, a folding roof orfolding façade arrangement can serve as a roof for a terrace area orsimilar area in a horizontal or inclined alignment, in order to protectfrom above against the effects of weather and—when opened—to uncover thearea. The uses can also be applied inside a building. For thisapplication, more than two façade elements are more frequently linkedwith one another so as to be foldable, with two of these folding out inpairs, and guided at the respective other ends. The fold-out points arelocked when the arrangement is closed. Multiple carriers can also bemoved, spaced from one another, with each of these being assigned to apair of façade elements, so that a single drive is sufficient for movinga multi-element folding façade or folding awning assembly.

Within the context of the invention, a folding awning arrangement isgenerally understood as an arrangement in which inherently rigid awningelements cover any area of a building front, in other words even astraight or inclined roof or terrace area, such as a window shutter, adoor shutter, a curtain facade, etc., so that the areas of a buildingsection that are opened up when the folding awning arrangement isopened, especially a building front, can be closed again on the buildingside, and, if necessary, can be specifically opened, such as the openingand non-opening window areas of a glass-front façade, for example.

Within the context of the invention, the façade or awning elements canbe closed panels, which serve as light, sound, heat and/or burglaryprotection, as solar-cell absorption surfaces, and the like, but canalso consist of panels with openings, having spaced louvers or holes,for example. So-called accordion shutters, which are known in themarket, are considered both folding facades and folding awningassemblies within the context of this invention. The aforementionedprotective functions can be further improved if the parallel guidingedges of the façade or awning elements are or will be equipped with edgeprotecting elements, such as links which project outward, for example,or inward.

In addition, a building or part of a building or area of a buildingwithin the context of the invention also refers to any open or closedsupporting structure which accommodates or supports a folding façade orfolding awning arrangement according to the invention.

Of course, certain deviations in the angle between the guides and theelement edges of 90° and/or deviations in the parallel alignment ofelement edges situated opposite one another has no negative impact onthe intended purpose as defined, and is also encompassed by the teachingof the invention.

When the actuating element, especially a tension or pressure element foropening the folding façade or folding awning arrangement, is moved alongthe guide, the carrier that is attached to it engages in a suitablemanner with the fold-out means (hereinafter called the fold-out lever)and pivots it from an initial position in relation to the guide, forexample tilted downward (when the facade or awning elements are in theextended position) during the opening movement to a substantiallyright-angled active position in relation to the guide, resulting in anincreased distance between the façade or awning elements and thebuilding, in other words a folding out of the façade or awning elementsfrom their closed extended position. The same effect is achieved when astationary contact surface for the unattached lever end is tilted in thefold-out direction, i.e., inclined toward the guide for the secondelement edge. The best power ratios are achieved when the fold-out leveris arranged near the folding area of the folding façade or foldingawning arrangement. When the rocker pivot of the fold-out lever islocated on one of the moved façade or awning elements, and accordingly,the unattached lever end must be displaced in relation to the building,the displacement zone can be arranged in a particularly functionallysecure manner in or on the guide on the building side, which isnevertheless necessary for opening. This supported displacement can besliding or rolling (FIGS. 5 and 11), or seated on the carrier (FIG. 14).To enable safe operation (opening and closing), for example even underheavy winds, the fold-out or locking lever can be equipped with abumper, at least in the area of its unattached end, for its stops on acomponent fixed to the building: In this context, the bumper, configuredas a roller, for example, can also assume a dual function.

In order to first achieve a sufficient horizontal folding out of thefolding façade or folding awning arrangement during opening, beforesignificant tensile forces are exerted on the lower façade section, thetension element can be equipped with an extension or free travel zonesuch that when the tension element is first actuated, although thefold-out lever is already actuated and/or a locking means is released,no or no significant tensile forces are exerted on the end of the lowerfaçade section to be moved. A spring assembly which acts on the tensionelement can prevent a “slack cable situation” during this fold-out phasein the unstressed or only lightly stressed area of the tension elementif gravity in combination with a free travel zone, such as an elongatedhole, is not suited to the second element edge in the working area. Totransfer pivoting force to the fold-out lever, the tension or pressureelement of the actuating element can be equipped with at least onecarrier, which acts on the fold-out lever on one side or on both sides.

The actuating element, especially a tension and/or pressure element, canbe freely selected, for the most part. It can comprise a hauling cable,but may also comprise a chain or a toothed rod, a toothed belt, a beltwith friction lining, a spring assembly, a movable weight, a rotatingtension and/or pressure element, or some other elongated drive transferelement. The actuating element can also be guided so as to rotate overupper and lower turning means, and can consist of a combination of atoothed belt on a first partial length and a cable on a second partiallength, which has independent inventive significance. It can be equippedwith one or more carrier(s), or can enable a carrying function via asingle-sided or double-sided positive connection. A carrying functioncan be implemented via one or more carriers, which are or can beprovided on the actuating element, and which fit relatively easily witha turning or winding point due to their size and configuration. In thismanner, accordion-like façade or awning elements, i.e., linked with oneanother, can be folded up and down—while a plurality of separate façadeor awning elements can also be opened and closed using a singleactuating element. With larger carriers, such as pawl elements as shownin FIG. 11, for example, or with an articulated assembly that can beactuated as a unit via the actuating element, it can be expedient forthe carrier 18C, which is embodied as a sliding element or rollerapparatus, for example, to be uncoupled from the actuating element 18when it reaches approximately the area of an upper or lower turningpoint, a winding of the actuating element 18, or the like.

Once the folding façade or folding awning arrangement has been foldedout far enough, the fold-out lever is out of engagement with itsabutting piece on the building or folding element side. To then transferthe fold-out lever back to its starting position, in which it is againin its functional position for a new opening process, the fold-out levercan be appropriately balanced by a counterweight, or can be returned toa desired functional position, for example under the force of a spring.

In principle, it is possible to assign the fold-out lever a dualfunction, and to use it simultaneously for locking the folding façade orfolding awning arrangement in its extended position—or vice versa. Forthis purpose, especially a lever arrangement comprised of two pivotablelevers, which are non-rotatably connected to one another and have thesame pivoting axis, can be provided, one of which is used for foldingout and the other for drawing in and/or locking.

In order to ensure particularly strong closing forces, a locking and/ordrawing means—hereinafter referred to as the locking and/or drawinglever—is proposed, which cooperates with a locking stop, and which isfirst pivoted out of its locked position by a carrier when the foldingfaçade or folding awning arrangement is being opened, without thiscausing any significant horizontal folding out of the folding façadearrangement. With this arrangement it is also possible to arrange thepivoting joint of the locking lever on one of the façade or awningelements, and to arrange the locking stop on the building side. Theopposite arrangement is also possible here, however. The mode ofoperation of the carrier and of the tension or pressure element whichdrives or moves it with an initial movement, without acting on the movedend of the façade or awning element is the same in principle as with thefold-out lever. Moreover, the locking and/or drawing assembly hasindependent inventive significance.

To expand the functions of the fold-out lever by the functions oflocking—or conversely to expand the locking by the function of the outerlever, a two-component lever assembly can be provided, in which thepivoting joint of the fold-out lever is arranged on an intermediatelever having a locking function, wherein the lever assembly is againactuated via a tension or pressure element. With this arrangement, thetension or pressure element, when first actuated, moves the intermediatelever, which serves as a locking lever, out of its locked position,making it possible for the folding façade or folding awning arrangementto be folded out horizontally. As the action of the tension or pressureelement on the fold-out lever continues, the folding out is effected ina single step with the opening movement of the façade or awningelements, wherein any additional actuation for releasing and/or foldingout is spared.

If the operating mechanism (locking and/or fold-out apparatus) for thefolding façade or folding awning arrangement is located at the edge ofthe façade or awning elements such that it cooperates with at least oneof the lateral guides for the moved façade or awning ends, the visiblearea of the façade or awning elements on both of their sides (inside andoutside) remains free of visually disruptive mechanical components, anda dual purpose of the guides and the tension or pressure elements isachieved. The guides can also be housed in a visually pleasing manner,with a guide slot for the opening function and a recess for engagementand for actuation of the actuating element remaining visible.

In a further improvement of the invention it can be desirable

for the fold-out lever to be located near the assigned fold-out joint;

for the rocker pivot of the fold-out lever to be arranged on one of thefaçade or awning elements;

for the fold-out lever to have means for drawing and/or for locking thefolding façade or folding awning arrangement with the façade or awningelements in an extended position;

for a dual-component, linked lever assembly, comprised of the fold-outlever and an intermediate or coupling lever, to be provided;

for the intermediate or coupling lever to be a locking lever comprisinga locking means;

for the tension or pressure element to act on the two-part leverassembly, especially on the fold-out means, such that first, when thefaçade or awning elements are released, the drawing and/or locking meansare displaced out of the working position in which folding out isprevented, and the fold-out movement follows;

for a drawing and/or locking of at least one of the façade or awningelements to be provided with respect to at least one of the guides inthe locking means that effect the extended position, and for at leastone means to be provided, which will bring the locking means out ofengagement at the start of the opening movement;

for at least one means for bringing out of engagement to be provided onthe tension or pressure element;

for the extension zone to comprise a spring assembly which acts on thetension element;

for a free travel zone to comprise an elongated hole;

for the actuating element to be provided with the at least one carrier;

for at least one carrier element to be provided at the unattachedfold-out lever end;

for the awning elements to have visible areas made of transparent,translucent or perforated material and/or comprised of heat-insulatingpanels and/or sound absorbing panels and/or burglar-proof panels;

for at least one of the awning elements to be a solar cell substrate orto be embodied as a solar cell or a solar cell assembly;

for the fold-out lever to have a stop for limiting the pivoting angle ofthe fold-out lever in relation to an intermediate lever or a pivotablelocking means of the linked lever assembly;

for a pivotable intermediate lever or a pivotable locking lever to beconfigured as two components with lever elements that can pivot inrelation to one another, and for the lever components to assume anangular position relative to one another in the locked position whichserves as the arresting means;

for the actuating element to be endless;

for a rotating cable/toothed belt combination or a rotating roller chainto be provided as the actuating element;

for at least one fold-out lever, which is seated on one of the façade orawning elements, to form an articulated assembly which is stressed inthe extended position and promotes folding out, and which in thecompressed position is shortened in its active length over a stressingelement, through a carrier which moves with the actuating means, drawingin the at least one façade or awning element;

for a steering lever to be provided for controlling the movement of thefold-out lever with respect to the locking lever, which is pivoted bythe actuating element and independently of the fold-out lever;

for a carrier embodied as a sliding element or rolling apparatus, suchas a movable pawl element, to be uncoupleable from the actuating elementwhen it reaches approximately the area of an upper turning point, awinding point of the actuating element, or the like; for at least oneedge of the façade or awning element that is parallel to the guide to beprovided with and/or protected by edge protection elements, for examplewith at least one link projecting outward or, preferably, inward;

for a fold-out or locking lever that is present to be provided at leastin the area of its unattached end with a bumper for its impact against acomponent that is fixed to the building;

for a pawl element to be provided on one of the façade or awningelements, which on one hand is embodied by an opening pawl, especiallyformed from the rear side of the one façade or awning element, and onthe other hand is embodied by a closing pawl, which is especially formedwith the help of a tab or some element with an equivalent function whichprojects from the rear side of the one façade or awning element, andguarantees the engagement of the unattached end in the interior of thepawl.

The aforementioned components, described in the exemplary embodimentsand to be used according to the invention, are subject in terms of theirsize, configuration, choice of materials, and technical design to noparticular exceptional conditions, so that the criteria for selectionknown in the area of application can be applied without restriction.

Additional details, characterizing features and advantages of theinvention are specified in the subordinate claims and in the followingdescription of the connected drawings and table, in which—by way ofexample—exemplary embodiments of a horizontal folding façade arrangementare represented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings show

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a horizontal folding façade or foldingawning arrangement in an extended, closed position;

FIG. 2 a first exemplary embodiment of a combined release and fold-outarrangement of a folding façade or folding awning arrangement,corresponding to a right side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A-3G a second exemplary embodiment of a combined release andfold-out arrangement of a folding façade or folding awning arrangement,corresponding to a right side view of FIG. 1A as a sequence of movementsfor closing (FIG. 3A-3C) and for opening (FIG. 3E-3G);

FIG. 4A-B a third exemplary embodiment of a folding façade or foldingawning arrangement, in which FIG. 4A shows the entire arrangement fromabove and in detail and FIG. 4B shows a vertical sectional view of therelease and fold-out arrangement—section along the line IVB-IVBaccording to FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A-5E an additional embodiment of a folding façade or foldingawning arrangement and an actuating element for this, a closing andopening sequence in the sectional representation of FIG. 3 (FIGS. 5Athrough 5E) and corresponding to the sectional representation of FIG. 4A(FIG. 5F);

FIG. 6A-6C another alternative embodiment of a folding façade or foldingawning arrangement in a view from the outside (FIG. 6A), in a verticalsectional representation A-A according to FIG. 6A (FIG. 6B) and inanother vertical sectional representation B-B according to FIG. 6A (FIG.6C);

FIG. 7A-7C yet another embodiment of a folding façade or folding awningarrangement from a side view and partially opened (FIG. 7A) and in twoworking positions of the operating mechanism in a vertical sectionalrepresentation corresponding to FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 7B represents thesituation at the start of the locking phase and FIG. 7C represents thesituation at the end of the locking phase;

FIGS. 8A/B an articulated operating mechanism for a folding façade orfolding awning arrangement in a vertical sectional representationcorresponding to FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 8A represents an extended positionand FIG. 8B represents the drawing phase, also corresponding to thefold-out phase;

FIG. 9A-9D another operating mechanism similar to that of FIG. 3, butwith guide rails which open up laterally (and not frontally), whereinFIG. 9A shows a plan view from the outside, FIG. 9C shows the start ofthe drawing phase in a lateral vertical section, corresponding to FIG.3, FIG. 9B shows the extended position at the start of the releaseprocess in a lateral vertical section (section A-A according to FIG. 9A)and FIG. 9D shows the operating mechanism in a horizontal section(section B-B according to FIG. 9A);

FIG. 10 a further exemplary embodiment of an operating mechanism in thelateral vertical section according to FIG. 3 with a steering lever;

FIG. 11 another operating mechanism for a folding façade or foldingawning arrangement in a lateral sectional representation correspondingto FIG. 3 with a pawl element;

FIG. 12 a further operating mechanism for a folding façade or foldingawning arrangement in a lateral sectional representation according toFIG. 3, with a single-arm lever with dual function (locking and foldingout) and

FIG. 13A-C yet another operating mechanism for a folding façade orfolding awning arrangement in a lateral sectional representationcorresponding to FIG. 3 with a double-arm lever with dual function(locking and folding out);

FIG. 14A-J a further alternative embodiment of a folding façade orfolding awning arrangement in a side view in an opening sequence (FIG.14A-E) and in a closing sequence (FIG. 14F-J), partially shown indetail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposeof illustrating exemplary embodiments of the invention only and not forthe purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows a folding façade or foldingawning arrangement, which can be used both for the openable closing ofbuilding openings and as an openable curtain façade. It comprises twofaçade or awning elements 12A and 12B provided in pairs, which can beinherently rigid, of which the first, in this exemplary embodiment theuppermost, façade or awning element 12A is indirectly fastened to abuilding, labeled 1, so as to be pivotable around a stationary and inthis case horizontal axis 12A′. Fastening is implemented via elongated,rod-shaped profiled support pieces 16E, which are equipped with guides16A and 16B and are fastened to the building 1. The axis 12A′ is seatedwith respect to the two guides 16A and 16B. The second façade or awningelement 12B, in the case of this exemplary embodiment the lower façade,is held at its end near its (second) element edge 13, i.e., in this caseat the lower end, in one of the guides 16A and 16B each, and can bedisplaced vertically, and thereby pivoted in the direction of the doublearrow S₂ during raising. Opposite and substantially parallel to theelement edge 13B, the second façade or awning element 12B has a (second)fold-out edge 15A, adjacent to which a (first) fold-out edge 15A of theadjacent first facade or awning element 12A is located, which isarranged substantially parallel to the stationary pivoting axis 12A′.Near these two fold-out edges, a single- or multi-part fold-out joint14A, 14B is provided, which pivotably connects the two fold-out edges15A, 15B with one another, but leaves them released from the guides 16Aand 16B, so that a folding out (see double arrow A) toward the façade ispossible.

An opening and closing of this folding façade or folding awningarrangement is effected in that, ordinarily, an elongated actuatingelement, such as tension element 18A, is arranged along the guides 16Aand 16B and can be actuated in a suitable manner, for example by windingor rotating motions (FIG. 14), or by displacement or some other linearmotion. The tension element is fastened near the unattached element edge13, for example in the area of guide rollers 17 arranged at the endthere, which run in the guides 16A and 16B. They are arranged in pairsand spaced vertically on a guide carriage or sliding element (cf., FIG.6C), which thereby remains angularly rigid.

In this manner, the sequence of movements for opening, and the reversesequence of movements for closing, indicated in FIG. 1A and completed inFIG. 1B, can be executed. The guides 16A and 16B are located near thelateral edges of the façade or awning elements 12A and 12B. In thismanner, a larger, lined façade can be constructed, which can consist ofboth stationary and the movable elements 12A and 12B illustrated here.Naturally, embodiments such as a large gate with a door or the like canalso be realized.

The façade or awning elements 12A and 12B can be very differentlyconstructed and can serve different purposes, for example as burglaryand/or noise protection plates, as inoperative, transparent ortranslucent curtain facades with or without perforations, in other wordsas climate control means. They can also serve as heat insulating orheat-proof plates to protect against thermal radiation during the day oragainst night-time heat emission from the building 1. They can alsoserve as solar panels or the like, wherein for this purpose the firstfaçade or awning element 12A is principally used and can be adjusted asthe day progresses based upon the angle of the sun's rays. They can alsohave perforated plates, stretched screen or fabric elements, or louveredarrangements comprised of spaced shade louvers as a surface element,optionally with a frame.

The upper fulcrum of the upper folding element can be positionedindependently of an input shaft responsible for both sides of thearrangement. In all the figures, however, this fulcrum is shown inside abracket, together with the input shaft mount.

The fulcrum positions can be completely different. In this manner,depending upon the selection, a smaller or larger folding angle can beachieved. Only the distance between the drive shaft and the lower edgeof the folding element 12B (13B) is predetermined based upon the freetravel, the height of the running carriage, and the cable connection.

It is also possible for the drive shaft and the lateral guide rails tobe drawn higher, lying hidden behind the façade for this reason.

In order to achieve the greatest possible depth to the fixed structuralcomponent in the raised position for a solar panel or for rainprotection or solar protection paneling, the paneling of the upperfolding element (12A) can project beyond the lower end (15A)—at most tothe lower edge 13B of the lower folding element. The embodiment can thenbe configured such that, rather than the lower façade element (12B),only 2 perpendicular profiled arms on the left and right are used, whichare connected at the bottom to the carriage and at the top to the upperfaçade element 12A in an articulated manner.

The folding joint 14A, 14B can be configured as a continuous profiledbelt. The façade or awning elements 12A and 12B can be free of visuallydisruptive attachments, because the operating mechanism described inwhat follows (see Detail “A”) can be housed directly in the area of oneor both side edges of the façade or awning elements in a flatconfiguration, so that, maintaining a spacing joint, additional façadelining elements or folding façade or folding awning assemblies can beattached, without aesthetically disruptive mechanical components.

Whereas the operating mechanism illustrated in Detail “A” of FIG. 1Awill be specified in greater detail in connection with FIG. 3, in whatfollows a first exemplary embodiment of an operating mechanism will bedescribed in reference to FIG. 2: Inside each guide chamber 16D for theguide 16A, 16B, a guide roller 17 or guide roller assembly, optionallyconfigured in pairs, can be moved near the ends of the second elementedge 13B in a known manner. A tension element 18A, embodied in theexemplary variant as a wire cable, also extends in the guide chamber 16Dand has a carrier 18C, which can be moved upward and/or downward (doublearrow H) with the tension element 18A.

In the area of the folding joint 14A, 14B, a balanced fold-out lever 20is seated so as to pivot on its rocker pivot 20B on at least one sideedge of the first façade or awning element 12A near the first fold-outedge 15A and (in the extended position of the façade and awning elementsshown in FIG. 2) is tilted downward. Its unattached end 20A is held incontact with the rear wall (16D′) of the guide chamber 16D of the guide16A by means of a counterweight, or alternatively a spring assembly. Theunattached end of the fold-out lever 20, which is flat in structure,extends through the conventional guide slot 17A (in this case on thefront side), through which the guide roller 17 is also tied to thefaçade or awning element 12A, 12B.

The function of the fold-out lever 20 is as follows: When the carrier18C in the represented case comes into contact with the guide 16D frombelow on the fold-out lever 20 and continues to move in the openingdirection, in this case upward, the unattached lever end 20A is pushedalong the rear wall 16D′ of the guide 16D, pivoting the fold-out lever20 upward, thereby increasing the distance from the fold-out edge 15Athat pivots around the axis 12A′. Only after this initial fold-out ordrawing-out process has been implemented does the upward tensile actionof the lower end of the tension element 18A on the unattached elementedge 13 begin. Because of the initial folding out process which hasalready been executed, the folding out process can now continue withoutfriction, opening the folding façade or folding awning arrangementtoward the fully opened state shown in FIG. 1B. So that the tensionelement 18A will be held sufficiently taut even during the initialfolding-out motion, as the fold-out lever 20 pivots upward, an extensionzone 22 of the tension element 18A, not illustrated in detail in thedrawing (cf., in contrast, the free travel zone in FIG. 11), isprovided, which can be embodied, for example, as a spring or weightassembly. This extension zone holds the tension element 18A undertension in a flexible (spring) or inflexible (weight) manner. Because ofthe low amount of force required to move the fold-out lever, a slackcable section of the tension element can be prevented by holding thecable taut during the initial fold-out phase, and can reach full tensilestress for raising the second element edge 13B at the end of the initialfold-out path.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, a locking device is alsoprovided, which secures the façade or awning elements against transversemovement in the area of the folding joint 14A, 14B in the illustratedextended position. In this, a locking lever 24A, which is pivotablyattached to the first façade or awning element 12A near the foldingjoint, and a locking stop 24B, which is stationarily attached to theguide 16A, serve as the locking means. A lever surface 24A′, which alsoserves as the sliding surface for locking with the locking stop 24B,also serves as the stop for the carrier 18C for opening. During anopening movement, the carrier 18C first comes in contact with this leversurface 24A, raising the locking lever 24A out of the locking position.

Only then does the carrier 18C come into contact with the fold-out lever20, in order to initiate the fold-out process described further above.However, a locking of this type can also be used as such without thefold-out lever.

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A will be specified in greater detailin what follows, within the context of the sequence of movements of FIG.3A through 3G: In contrast to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, inthis exemplary embodiment the (also balanced) fold-out lever 20 ispivotably attached with its rocking pivot 20B near the unattached end ofa locking means, and with the locking lever 24A, which serves as anintermediate lever, forms a two-component lever assembly, such thatfirst the intermediate lever is brought to the release position in theopening movement, before the advancing carrier 18C initiates thefold-out motion, as was already essentially described in connection withFIG. 2. The fold-out sequence of FIGS. 3E through 3G shows the stilllocked extended position FIG. 3E, the already released, dead-centerposition of the fold-out lever 20, assumed for the first folding out(FIG. 3F), and a definite folded out position, in which the unattachedelement edge 13 is already raised a certain amount. The closure sequenceaccording to FIGS. 3A through 3C illustrates how, in the closingmovement to the extended position of the façade or awning elements 12Aand 12B, the lever surface 24A′ serves as the gliding surface to thelocking stop 246. After snapping into the locked position (FIG. 3B), thecarrier 18C moves downward past the curved outer surface of the outputlever 24, until it reaches a position below the unattached end area 20Aof the output lever 20 (FIG. 3C). With this, the closing process iscompleted and the carrier 20C is in a position below the fold-out lever20, so that when it is raised again, it reaches a position below thefold-out lever 20 and the locking means linked with it.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 4A/B differs from thepreceding essentially in that a flat belt with a sufficiently roughsurface is used as the pressure-resistant tension element 18A, so thatan independent carrier is not needed to carry the unattached end 20A ofthe fold-out lever 20 along during the opening motion. A stop 20Censures a limit to the pivoting of the fold-out lever 20, which isequipped with a counterweight 20D. During the closing process, thetension element 18B moves downward without difficulty (with theunattached end 20A of the fold-out lever 20 resting against it).

The compact internal structure of the guide 16A is discernible from theDetail “A” of FIG. 4A, in which the actuating element 18, the guiderollers 17 for the second façade or awning element, and the part of thefold-out lever 20 that projects into the guide chamber 16D is housed. Inaddition, an edge protection element 12C is provided on one of the sideedges of the façade or awning elements 12A/12B with a land that facestoward the guide, which can be provided on the guide as an alternativeor as a supplement (land 12C′).

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5A through 5F differs from theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A-3G in that an unbalanced fold-out lever20 is used, and in that this fold-out lever has a pawl element 20E. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the fold-out lever 20 can be placed in anextended position (FIG. 5A) under spring tension relative to the lockinglever 24A, and the locking means is placed, under spring tension, in aninitial position, tilted slightly upward (FIG. 5A). As is apparent fromFIG. 5A, during the closing process the carrier 18C enters the pawlelement 20E and pivots downward as the fold-out lever 20 continues tomove downward, wherein a contact surface 20F of the fold-out lever 20″near its rocking pivot 20B advances or enables the drawing of thefold-out joint 14A, 14B into the extended and locked position (FIG. 5B).Once the locking process is completed, in other words when the lockingmeans 24A is engaged in the locking stop (FIG. 5C), the carrier 18C canalso move back out of the pawl element 20E (downward) if necessary,however this is not absolutely necessary for continued functioning, asis apparent from the carrier position in FIG. 5D. Starting from thisposition (FIG. 5D), the carrier effects an upward pivoting of thelocking lever 24A as the actuating element 18 is raised to the openingpawl 20E situated opposite the closing pawl 20E′, while the opening pawl20E′ is still sliding against the rear wall of the guide chamber 16D,thereby still preventing an upward pivoting of the fold-out lever 20 inthis phase. Only when the locking means 24A is unattached in front ofthe locking stop 24B can the fold-out lever 20 pivot upward under thetension of the carrier 18C, thereby effecting the desired increase inthe distance between the rocking pivot 20B of the fold-out lever and theguide (FIG. 5E). As the raising of the carrier 18C continues, thecarrier is again released from the pawl element 20E and the façade orawning elements 12A, 12B can be moved further into the open position asfolding out continues.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6A through 6C, a pawl element 20Ewhich functions in a manner comparable to FIG. 5 is provided, wherein,in contrast to FIG. 5, the fold-out lever is balanced with acounterweight (cf., FIG. 4) and has a stop 20C, which prevents furtherpivoting of the fold-out lever 20 in relation to the locking lever 24Awhen said fold-out lever is resting on the locking lever. This exemplaryembodiment further shows a sliding element 17B in the form of a carriageequipped with two rollers spaced from one another in guide directions,the side arm 17B′ of which engages through the slot 17A in the guide andforms a pivoting axis 12B′ with the second façade or awning element 12Bnear its unattached element edge 13. In this manner, a smooth andvibration-free opening and closing movement is ensured, even withgreater horizontal distances between the guide and the second façade orawning element. A wedge-shaped elongated hole 17C which expands towardthe top creates a free travel zone during the opening and closingmovement, so that locking and release can take place without transversemovement of the folding joint. The wedge shape of the elongated holeminimizes the risk of vibration with a fully locked folding joint. Alsodiscernible from this exemplary embodiment is that the profiled support16E of the guides 16A, 16B can also extend to the side, outside of thefaçade or awning elements 12A, 12B, in other words it can visuallyencompass these to the side, forming a uniform front with their exteriorsurface. In this manner, static and aesthetic aspects of a façadeconfigured according to the invention can be taken into account. FIG. 6(along with FIG. 13) also shows that the actuating element 18 can alsobe advantageously rotated on at least one of the guides 16A, 16B(turning rollers 18D, 18E), especially rotating continuously, allowingthe carrier(s) 18C to be moved very precisely but simply in bothdirections.

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7A-7C also has a pawl element (20E) atthe unattached end of the fold-out lever 20. In contrast to thepreceding exemplary embodiment, the locking lever 24A is configured intwo parts and consists of the linked lever elements 24′, 24″, which arepivotably connected to one another. In this embodiment, relatively largefold-out paths (also referred to as “folding paths”) can be realized, asis apparent from the side view shown in FIG. 7B. At the same time, theadditional lever element 24″ can already be situated in an earlierclosure stage on the locking stop 24B, and can actively support drawingthe folding joint 14A, 14B toward the guide, i.e., assuming the extendedposition. The relative pivoting of the two lever elements 24′, 24″ thatthis entails causes these two elements to form an approximatelyhook-shaped element which engages behind the locking stop 24B at the endof the closing movement (FIG. 7C).

The exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 8A/B shows a fold-out lever in theform of an articulated assembly, in which a spring assembly 201 in theform of a tension spring moves past an extended position of thearticulated assembly (FIG. 8B) when no counterforce is being applied. Acounterforce is created by a tension arrangement (FIG. 8B) actingtransversally to the spring assembly, which in the illustrated exemplaryembodiment can consist of a flexible tension element, such as a cable,with a hook 20H′ at its end, and is arranged such that the tension cablecan lie around a stationary locking stop 24B. Starting from the openedposition (FIG. 20B) it is apparent that the carrier 18C of the actuatingelement 18 can engage the hook 20H′, and carries it along, so that thearticulated assembly 20G is compressed against the tensile force of thespring assembly 201, thereby drawing the façade or awning elements 12A,12B to the extended position, wherein the articulated assembly, as isillustrated, can be supported against the locking stop 24B, for example(FIG. 8A). In this manner, locking in the extended position is ensured,and vibrations are held within very narrow limits due to the flexiblepre-stressing of the spring. Nevertheless, impact stresses can beabsorbed in order to protect the assembly. For opening, the carrier 18Cis raised and folding out can begin without delay, supported by thearticulated assembly 20G.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A through 9D, the difference fromthe exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 consists, for one, in that thefold-out lever is not balanced and that the guide slot 17A of the guides16A and 16B points toward the side and therefore disrupts the front viewless when the façade is opened. The carrier 18C must then (as shown) bemoved out of the guide chamber or—depending upon the configuration ofthe fold-out lever—inserted into it from the side, or a window in thefront area of the guide must ensure an engagement of the fold-out leverin the guide chamber in the corresponding zone. The sliding or rollingsurface 16D′ located to the side of the guide is equipped with a bumper20A′ (as with FIG. 10) or is configured as such, at least in thenecessary elongated area, so as to muffle noises and/or to softenimpacts.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, a linking lever 25 is pivotablyattached at one end to the first façade or awning element 12A, spacedfrom the rocking pivot 24C of the locking lever 24. At its second end,the linking lever is pivotably attached to the fold-out lever 20,thereby creating a four-point linking assembly, which allows control ofthe movement of the fold-out lever 22 based upon the pivoting movementof the locking lever 24. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking stop24B can also be shifted to an area of the guide 16A/B or the associatedprofiled support 16E. To enable the carrier 18C to move past the lockinglever 24 as it moves downward, a tilting lever 26 is provided, whichallows the carrier to pass downward, and makes it possible for thecarrier to carry along the locking lever 24 as it moves upward. Inaddition, the tilting lever 26 is balanced or held under elasticpretension.

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11 shows an operating arrangement, inwhich the carrier is embodied as a pawl element with an opening pawl24B′ and a closing pawl 24D″, which are angled in relation to the guide16A, 16B and project sufficiently far out of the slot 17A, forming anengagement slot for an optionally adjustable double stop 24D, which isarranged on the façade or awning element 12A or 12B near the foldingjoint, and automatically enters the mouth opening of the pawl elementduring closing, and is thereby drawn toward the guide by the closingpawl 24D″ as the carrier 18C continues to move. During reopening, whenthe carrier 18C is raised, the opening pawl 24D′ is used, pushing thedouble stop 24D outward, transversely to the guide, thereby supportingthe folding in and further folding out of the folding arrangement. Anarrangement of this type can also have a pawl element (not shown) withonly one opening pawl or with only one closing pawl, if the respectiveother function is not required. To further raise the drawing path and/orthe fold-out path, rather than the pawl element an articulated assembly(not shown) comparable to that of FIGS. 8A/B can also be used, in whichit is or will be coupled to the actuating element 18 as carrier 18C. Inthese embodiments (as shown) the carrier 18C can be embodied as asliding element or carriage, optionally guided on rollers, so that theclosing and opening forces can be safely transferred to the guide.Completely separate from this is the arrangement of the guide rollersnear the second element edge 13B. Depending upon the actuating mechanismfor the actuating element 18, it can be advantageous to uncouple thecarrier 18C embodied as a sliding element or roller apparatus from theactuating element 18 (not shown) when it reaches a point near an upperturning point, winding point of the actuating element 18, or the like,for example.

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12 shows a lateral sectionalrepresentation of an operating arrangement for a folding façade orfolding awning arrangement corresponding to FIG. 3, with a single-armlever 24, 20 with a dual function (locking and folding out) and asliding or rolling surface 16D′, embodied as a sliding plane—oriented atan angle in relation to the guide 16A—on which the unattached end 20A ofthe combined locking/fold-out lever is supported, shifting in fold-outdirection A as the carrier 18C continues to raise it, as shown in FIG.12.

FIG. 13A through 13C show an operating mechanism for a folding façade orfolding awning arrangement with a two-arm lever with dual functions(locking and folding out) as a sequence of motions. Contrary to thepreceding examples, a rocking pivot holder 27 arranged fixed to thebuilding supports the rocking pivot 24C, 20B of the fold-out and lockinglever 20, 24, one end of which, as a pawl element 20E, cooperates in themanner already described above with a carrier 18C which projectslaterally out of the slot 17A of the guide 16A. The part of the two-armlever disposed on the other side of the rocker pivot 24C, 20B serves atits unattached end 20A both for drawing in (cf., FIGS. 13A/B) the façadeor awning elements 12A, 12B and for folding (cf., FIGS. 13B/C) out ofthe extended position, as indicated by arrows R and F in FIG. 13B. Thisis carried out in cooperation with a pawl element 24D″, provided on oneof the façade or awning elements 12A, 12B, with an opening pawl 24D′formed from the rear side of the one façade or awning element, and withthe help of a tab or some element with equivalent action, acting as aclosing pawl 24D″, which projects from the rear side of the one façadeor awning element, and which allows the engagement of the unattached end20A, embodied as a roller, into the interior of the pawl. The unattachedtab end can be embodied as flexible, thereby effecting a smooth drawingin (FIG. 13B) and a cushioning at the end of the closure path by aflexible abutting piece fixed to the building. This exemplary embodimentalso shows an endlessly rotating actuating element 18, 18A, 18B, which,in contrast to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, is advantageouslyembodied with laterally oriented slots 17A and as a box-shaped, closed,and fully integrated support and guide element.

FIG. 14A and 14J show a further embodiment of the invention, accordingto which—in contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments—a carrierelement 20′, such as a bolt, projects transversely at the unattached endof the fold-out lever 20 and the carrier 18C is configured as a pawlwith upper and lower stops 18C′, 18C″, of which one or the othercooperates with the carrier element 20′. The actuating element 18 is acombination of a tension element 18A′ in the form of a cable or wire orsome other material and a tension element 18A″ in the form of a toothedbelt, said combination traveling around upper and lower turning elements(turning rollers 18D, 18E), and passing at the upper turning pointaround a motor-driven turning roller 18E, embodied as a toothed pulley,which is actuable on both sides. The cable component is guided aroundthe lower turning roller 18D and has upper and lower stops 19A, 19B nearits coupling element 18F with the toothed belt. Between these stops, thecable component is guided with sufficient radial play through anelongated channel 21A in a rollable slot 21, which has upper and lowercounter stops. This results in a free travel arrangement for releasingand folding out, and vice versa—as will be specified further below. Theheight of the carriage 21 can be adjusted via rolling on its guiderollers 17 in the guide 16A or 16B, and the carriage is seated so as tobe pivotable in relation to the lower façade or awning element 12B nearits lower element edge 13B.

The fold-out lever 20 is non-rotatably connected to a shaft 20K, whichis laterally offset from the fold-out lever and non-rotatably supports alocking lever 24, which is crescent-shaped, for example, so that the twolevers can be pivoted only together by means of the shaft 20K, and pointin approximately the same direction. A spring, which is not discerniblehere, forces this lever assembly against a stop, such that the fold-outlever 20 in the stop position is spaced at approximately a right anglefrom the façade or awning element (12A) to which it is pivotablyallocated (see FIGS. 14D and 14F and 14G). A locking stop 24B isfastened in a height-adjustable fashion to the guide 16A or 16B, and thelocking lever 24 is able to engage behind it. Alternatively, only thefold-out lever is able to pivot in relation to the intermediate orcoupling lever 23 and the locking lever, if applicable, against theforce of a restoring spring; in this, the locking lever can therefore berigidly fastened to the intermediate or coupling lever 23 or embodied toform a single component with it.

The operating sequence for opening is then such that in the closed andlocked position (FIG. 14A) the toothed belt 18A″ pulls the carrierelement 20′ of the fold-out lever downward as far as possible, via theoptionally height-adjustable carrier 18C that is connected to said belt,and the cable component is placed with its upper stop in contact withthe corresponding counter-stop of the carriage 21. With the initialupward movement of the toothed belt, the carrier 18C first moves fromthe bottom with its lower stop against the carrier element 20′, and thenpushes the still relatively steep fold-out lever 20, and thereby alsothe locking lever 24, upward slightly, causing the locking lever 24 todisengage from the locking position with the locking stop 24B (FIG.14B). This occurs when the actuating element 18 is in the free travelphase, as is discernible at the lower end of the drawing.

In order to generate favorable locking forces with the least possiblefriction and to give the fold-out lever 20 a more favorable inclinedposition (transverse component) for folding out early in the process,the shared, flexible shaft 20K of the fold-out/locking lever assembly isattached to an intermediate or coupling lever 23, the other end of whichis rotatably held and mounted on the one façade or awning element. It islocking position extended transversely to the façade element[sic—Translator] and lies with its end surface on the guide 16A/B,separated by a bumper 28. In the folded-out positions, the intermediatelever is arranged pivoted 90 degrees, for example, in contact with thefaçade element and approximately parallel thereto. Other pivoting leversare also possible and can also be dependent upon the active angle of thedrawing and locking levers.

As the carrier 18C continues to rise, the fold-out lever 20 reaches theposition shown in FIG. 14C, in which the lower end of the free travelpath of the cable component is also reached. As the cable componentcontinues to rise, it raises the carriage 21 via its lower carrier 19B.This results in further folding out, and the unattached end of thefold-out lever 20 is then released from the carrier 18C. The spring onthe shaft 20K of the fold-out lever 20 can then pivot it upward as faras possible, so that the stop element 20′ continues to rise slightly andcan then separate laterally from the carrier 18C (FIG. 14D). As theactuating element 18 continues to rise, the arrangement moves into themaximum opening position shown in FIG. 14E.

During closure from this opening position, the folding façadearrangement is lowered by the force of gravity when the carrier 18C islowered. When the fold-out lever 20, which projects at approximately aright angle, reaches the carrier 18C, it thus arrives at a position inwhich its carrier element 20′ is between the upper and lower stops 18C′,18C″ (FIG. 14G). As the carrier 18C is further lowered (FIG. 14H), thefree travel arrangement again becomes active and pivots the carrier ofthe fold-out/locking lever arrangement downward. The locking leverthereby reaches a point behind the stationary locking stop 24B andsupports the drawing in of the façade element to the guide, despite astill relatively large fold-in angle, until the unlocked, extendedposition of the façade arrangement shown in FIG. 14I is reached. In thisposition, the free travel path of the actuating element 18 has not yetbeen fully traveled. Further downward travel of the carrier 18C forcesthe locking lever 24 into its safe locked position (FIG. 14J). It hasbeen found that opening after locking is also possible without themovable intermediate or coupling lever (23) if the fold-out lever, thebumper (28) and/or the locking pin are/is flexible in configuration.Under certain circumstances, a rubber bushing on the locking pin or aflexible bushing on the shared shaft pin (20K) is sufficient. A flexiblelocking lever (24) is also possible. Without flexible locking pins orpins, the intermediate or coupling lever (23) must pivot during openinghigh enough for the locking lever (24) to be forced out of a clampedposition. This currently corresponds to a pivoting range for theintermediate lever of approximately 30°.

The invention has been specified in detail in reference to a number ofexemplary embodiments, however it is in no way limited by these and canbe implemented in a plurality of additional forms.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Also thatvarious presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives,modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequentlymade by those skilled in the art which are also intended to beencompassed by the following claims.

1. Folding façade or folding awning arrangement, comprising: at leasttwo generally rigid façade or awning elements provided in pairs, ofwhich a first façade or awning element can be fastened one of indirectlyor directly to an associated building so as to pivot around one of avertical or horizontal first axis near a first element edge, and ofwhich a second façade or awning element is held so as to pivot around asecond axis, which can be displaced one of vertically or horizontally,transversely to itself, near a second element edge, and can be displacedalong guides that are arranged in pairs, perpendicular to the secondelement edge and the second element edge can be moved along the guidestoward and away from the first element edge of the first façade orawning element by an actuating element and in which a first fold-outedge of the first façade or awning element, the first edge beingsituated opposite and parallel to the first element edge, is pivotablyconnected to a second fold-out edge of the second façade or awningelement, said second edge being situated opposite and parallel to thesecond element edge, thereby forming a fold-out joint, and, whenreleased from the guides, can be moved in the manner of a folding outtransversely to the arrangement and, optionally, with the addition of atleast one further pair of fold-out façade or awning elements; andfurther comprising at least one fold-out and/or locking means therebyforming a working arrangement in which at least one pivotable actuatingelement which acts between one of the awning elements and an associatedarea that is one of closed or covered by the folding façade arrangementor folding awning arrangement, the at least one actuating element isfastened at one end to one of the associated building or to at least oneof the facade or awning elements and can be displaced at its opposite,unattached end area along the opposite structural component of theworking arrangement, the at least one actuating element can be displacedto a working position via pivoting or length adjustment by an actuatedcarrier and can be brought into or out of contact with the actuatedcarrier in or near the extended position of the façade or awningelements.
 2. Arrangement of claim 1, wherein the means for drawing inand/or locking the folding awning arrangement when the façade or awningelements are in an extended position is a locking and/or drawing means,which is non-rotatably connected to the at least one pivotable actuatingelement.
 3. Arrangement of claim 2, wherein the actuating element isequipped with the at least one carrier, which engages with one of afold-out means and the locking and/or drawing means.
 4. Arrangement ofclaim 3, wherein the actuating element is associated with an extensionor free travel zone, se in such a way that at the start of openingmovement, the actuating element actuates first one of the locking and/ordrawing means or the fold-out means in a releasing or folding outfashion, without tensile forces being exerted on the second element edgeof the second façade or awning element that has this edge, which is tobe moved.
 5. Arrangement of claim 4, wherein the free travel zone is asection of a tension element with stops at both ends, and furtherincluding a guide having counter-stops for guiding the section of thetension element.
 6. Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein thecarrier has pawl-shaped separate stops for upward and downward movement.7. Arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the fold-out means has apawl element provided for two operating directions, for detachablypartially encompassing the carrier of the actuating element. 8.Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element can bemoved and turned on at least one of the guides.
 9. Folding façade orfolding awning arrangement, comprising: at least two inherently rigidfaçade or awning elements provided in pairs, of which a first façade orawning element is connected to an associated building so as to pivotaround one of a vertical or horizontal axis near a first element edge,and of which a second façade or awning element is held so as to pivotaround a second axis, which can be displaced vertically or horizontally,transversely to itself, near a second element edge, and can be displacedalong guides that are arranged in pairs, perpendicular to the secondelement edge, and the second element edge can be moved along the guidestoward and away from the first element edge of the first façade andawning element by an actuating element, and a first fold-out edge of thefirst façade or awning element is situated opposite and parallel to thefirst element edge and is pivotably connected to a second fold-out edgeof the second façade and awning element, the second fold-out edge issituated opposite and parallel to the second element edge, therebyforming a fold-out joint, and, when released from the guides, can bemoved in the manner of a folding out transversely to the façade, furthercomprising at least one fold-out and/or locking means, wherein a two-armlever with dual function for locking and folding out is pivotablymounted to the associated building, and in that one end cooperates as apawl element with a carrier of the actuating element and the other endserves at its unattached end for both drawing in and/or locking thefaçade or awning elements and for folding out.
 10. Folding façade orfolding awning arrangement comprising: at least two fold-out façade orawning elements provided in pairs including a first element and a secondelement, the first element being fastened to an associated building soas to pivot around one of a vertical or horizontal first axis near afirst element edge, and the second element held so as to pivot around asecond axis, which can be displaced one of vertically or horizontally,transversely to itself, near a second element edge, and can be displacedalong guides that are arranged in pairs, generally perpendicular to thesecond element edge, the second element edge being moveable along theguides toward and away from the first element edge by an actuatingelement, and a first fold-out edge of the first element is situatedopposite and parallel to the first element edge and is pivotablyconnected to a second fold-out edge of the second element, the secondedge being situated opposite and parallel to the second element edge,thereby forming a fold-out joint, and, when released from the guides, ismoveable in the manner of a folding out transversely to the façade orawning arrangement, further comprising at least one fold-out and/orlocking means, thereby forming a working arrangement in which at leastone pivotable actuating element in the form of a fold-out, drawingand/or locking means is provided, which acts between one of the elementsand an associated area that is closed or covered by the folding façadearrangement or folding awning arrangement, the actuating element isequipped with at least one carrier, which engages with at least one of afold-out means and the fold-out and/or locking means, the fold-out,drawing and/or locking means is fastened at one end to one of associatedbuilding or to at least one of the awning elements, and the fold-outmeans can be displaced at its opposite, unattached end area by theactuated carrier, pivoting or changing the length of the fold-out means,along the opposite structural component of the working arrangement to aworking position in which a folding out of at least one folding jointcan be achieved, and the fold-out, drawing and/or locking means isconnected to a stop of the opposite structural component of the workingarrangement, in or near the extended position of the elements, and, withpivoting, can be shifted back to a released position by the actuatedcarrier.
 11. (canceled)
 12. Folding façade or folding awning arrangementcomprising: at least two fold-out façade or awning elements provided inpairs including a first element and a second element, the first elementbeing fastened to an associated building so as to pivot around one of avertical or horizontal first axis near a first element edge, and thesecond element held so as to pivot around a second axis, which can bedisplaced one of vertically or horizontally, transversely to itself,near a second element edge, and can be displaced along guides that arearranged in pairs, generally perpendicular to the second element edge,the second element edge being moveable along the guides toward and awayfrom the first element edge by an actuating element, a first fold-outedge of the first element is situated opposite and parallel to the firstelement edge and is pivotably connected to a second fold-out edge of thesecond element, the second edge being situated opposite and parallel tothe second element edge, thereby forming a fold-out joint, and, whenreleased from the guides, is moveable in the manner of a folding outtransversely to the façade or awning arrangement; and further comprisingat least one fold-out and/or locking means, in which a double stop isarranged on at least one of the façade or awning elements near the atleast one pair of fold-out edges, and the actuating element actuates apawl element, displaceable along at least one of the guides andcomprising a pair of pawls, which are inclined in relation to the guidepath, for engaging with the double stop, near or in the extendedposition of the pair of façade or awning elements, with a closing pawldrawing in the double stop and an opening pawl pressing against it. 13.Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element is afold-out means which folds out the fold-out joint to a working positionvia the actuated carrier.
 14. Arrangement according to claim 13, whereinthe at least one actuating element is connected to a stop in or near theextended position of the façade or awning elements, and, duringpivoting, can be shifted back to a released position by the actuatedcarrier.
 15. Arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the actuatingelement is guided so as to rotate over upper and lower turning means.16. Arrangement of claim 9, wherein the carrier engages with at leastone of a fold-out and a locking and/or drawing means.
 17. Arrangementaccording to claim 9, wherein the actuating element can be moved andturned on at least one of the guides.
 18. Arrangement according to claim17, wherein the actuating element is guided so as to rotate over upperand lower turning means.
 19. Arrangement according to claim 10, whereinthe actuating element can be moved and turned on at least one of theguides.
 20. Arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the actuatingelement is guided so as to rotate over upper and lower turning means.21. Arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the actuating element canbe moved and turned on at least one of the guides.
 22. Arrangementaccording to claim 21, wherein the actuating element is guided so as torotate over upper and lower turning means.